Siddharth Malakar is a healer by profession but his passion lies in arm wrestling. The qualified physiotherapist from Assam blends science into his arm wrestling technique as well. His dual identity as a healer and fighter gives him a unique edge as he knows exactly how the body works and how to train it to peak condition.
“Yes technically physiotherapy has helped me. I know the body mechanics, joint angles and structure of muscles & tendons to enhance training and performance. I know how to strengthen even smaller areas that can enhance my game. I don't play instinctively and come with a definite strategy. Knowing how to play and what my opponent is doing which gives me some advantage,” said the Pro Panja League player who will play for Kiraak Hyderabad franchise in the Season 2.
Normally a calm and caring person that helps him in physiotherapy, he doesn't mind to cross the line on the Pro Panja League table to give his best.
“I don't think like a physiotherapist on the table. I may not recommend certain things to patients but I know being an arm wrestler, I have to be more decisive and make risky decisions on the table to grow in the sport. I get nervous when I am calm, so I have to be a little aggressive, a little more angry to perform better, besides being patient and focused," he added.
Despite a demanding professional schedule, Siddharth continues to pursue arm wrestling with passion and consistency. What started as a fun contest in his college hostel has now become his second profession.
“It all started during an annual event in college, when I won a competition and the General Secretary of Assam Arm Wrestling Association approached me. In 2015, I started playing the amateur tournaments and also became a practicing physiotherapist. I didn't know arm wrestling was a professional game at that time,” Malakar reminisced.
The Assam athlete feels Pro Panja League made him a professional arm wrestler and gave him instant recognition.
“Pro Panja League changed everything. Competing on the big stage and getting my performance noticed on television is an unreal feeling. I never imagined that people would watch me playing live on TV. The promotion of the league was top notch and we were treated as professional athletes,” he said.
"Before Pro Panja League, people didn't know much about the sport. Some of my friends and neighbours recognised me as an arm wrestler after the league. Before that even my cousins saw this as an extracurricular activity. Now, arm wrestling has grown too much in India. Before the league people used to fear foreign athletes like from Kazakhstan, Georgia. But the League has made people more aware about arm wrestling and created opportunities."
It all however didn't come easy and Malakar had to adapt with the injuries and demands of the sport.
“Initially it was very difficult as I suffered many hand injuries. But I learnt to cope with it and heal myself. It is difficult maintaining both professions. It requires hard work and dedication to excel in both professions. I have learnt how to maintain both professions differently. To see a patient who is paralysed or full of pain, and make them walk requires a different set of knowledge and to do arm wrestling requires different knowledge and set up. I never mix these up,” he said.
After winning state-level and national championships and competing in Season 1 of the Pro Panja League, he is now looking forward to the second season.
“I have prepared well this time and am confident and positive. This competition is a team event and it is not easy because lots of talent is there this time. Victory isn't assured and every one is a champion here, any result is possible and I hope for the best."
